Kava-Kava Piper methysticum

making traditional kava

Common Names
Kava-Kava , Ava. Intoxicating Peper
Botanical Name
Piper methysticum
Family
PIPERACEAE

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Kava-Kava

How to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden|

Medicinal Uses: * Anxiety * Aphrodisiac * Dental/Oral Care * Dysmenorrhea * Headache/Migraine * Polynesian * Sleep/Insomnia * Stop Smoking * Stress
Properties: * Analgesic * Anodyne * Antibacterial * Anxiety * Calm * Diaphoretic * Diuretic * Expectorant * Sedative * Stimulant * Stress
Parts Used: rhizome
Constituents: kava lactones, kawahin, yanoginin, methysticin, glycosides

How to Use: Kava-Kava

The word kava is used to refer both to the plant and the beverage produced from its roots. Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties. Kava can be used as a relaxing, evening drink with friends, as long as it is used in a responsible manner.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Kava kava root powder can be made into a milky drink by mixing with one tablespoon of powder per cup of water, extract, capsules, or cut root can be added to herbal teas.

Kava-Kava Remedies

Kava-Kava Side Effects: Can be highly sedative and intoxicating and causes numbing to the mouth and lips. Safe in recommended amounts, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Do not use while pregnant, or give to children. Not for those with a pre-existing liver condition. The effects when mixed with alcohol are not desirable

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Plant Description

Young Piper methysticum

An indigenous shrub several feet high, leaves cordate, acuminate, with very short axillary spikes of flowers, stem dichotomous, spotted. The natives prepare a fermented liquor from the upper portion of the rhizome and base of the stems; it is narcotic and stimulant and is drunk before important religious rites. The root of the plant chewed and mixed with the saliva, gives a hot intoxicating juice; it is mixed with pure water or the water of the coconut.⁵⁹

Regional Traditions :Tropical islands *

History and Traditions & Folklore

In this shrubs native habitat, Polynesia and the Pacific Ocean Islands , natives calm down by chewing a few leaves, but the best medicine is in the roots, which can be used to make a tea. Kava is used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes throughout the Pacific. These cultures have a great respect for the plant and place a high importance on it.

References:

Works Cited

59. Grieve, Maud Mrs. "A Modern Herbal Volume 2" (1931)

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